NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING DENTAL IMPLANT SURGERY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract Dental implant surgery increasingly benefits from structured peri-operative and maintenance care that prevents peri-implant disease and improves patient-reported outcomes. This systematic review synthesized randomized, quasi-experimental, and pilot evidence on nursing-led or nursing-delivered interventions for patients undergoing dental implant surgery, including experiential education with health coaching, structured postoperative nursing protocols, telemedicine follow-up, and supportive peri-implant therapy (SPiT) within nursing pathways. In seven original studies, these strategies consistently improved oral-hygiene behaviors and clinical parameters such as plaque index, bleeding on probing, and probing depths. Several trials reported additional gains in pain, aesthetics, satisfaction, and adherence; complication signals generally favored structured nursing approaches. Evidence comparing professional maintenance modalities (ultrasonic vs. Er:YAG laser) showed both are effective short-term, with select advantages in bleeding, plaque and comfort that may support adherence. Heterogeneity in intervention content, follow-up duration, and outcome definitions limited pooling. Overall, patient-centric nursing interventions and risk-based supportive maintenance appear to enhance peri-implant health and care experience after implant surgery. Future trials should standardize outcome sets, report fidelity, adherence, and evaluate long-term disease recurrence and cost-effectiveness.